1998 Ford Escort Ford Escort has gas smell and hard start

1998 FORD ESCORT
16,700 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CCOLEMAN
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My ford escort has a gas smell and tends to start hard especially after sitting all night. We have to turn the key, once, then start the car while pumping the gas pedal to get it to start. If we don't, it will struggle to start. The gas smell does not go away if driven. Is this a fix I can do or should we take it to a shop. We plan on keeping the car for at least another year.

Thanks,
Christina
Jul 22, 2009 at 4:51 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Its running too rich

Could be caused by the coolant temperature sensor locked-up in open loop mode and a bad O2 sensor, excessive fuel pressure (bad fuel pressure regulator or plugged return line), leaky fuel injectors, dirty air filter or restricted air inlet.
Jul 22, 2009 at 5:02 PM